Obama Calls Putin to Warn of Sanctions After Crimea Referendum

[Purveyor]

2. Vladimir Putin told U.S. president Barack Obama, in a phone call...

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According to a statement released by the Kremlin, Russian president Vladimir Putin told U.S. president Barack Obama, in a phone call, that the Crimean referendum complies with international law. Putin also expressed concern about Kyiv's failure to stamp out violence against Russian speakers in Ukraine.

"Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin drew attention to the inability and unwillingness of the present authorities in Kyiv to curb rampant violence by ultra-nationalist and radical groups that destabilize the situation and terrorize civilians, including Russian speaking population," the Kremlin said

He suggested European monitors should be sent to all parts of Ukraine because of the violence, which the Ukrainian authorities blame on pro-Russian groups. Russian parliament has given Putin the authority to use the armed forces if needed to protect compatriots in Ukraine.

The Crimea referendum offered voters on the strategic Black Sea Peninsula the choice of seeking annexation by Russia or remaining in Ukraine with greater autonomy.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/crimea-election-chief-reports-95-vote-to-secede-half-of-ballots-counted-1.2574719